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Army shooting contest on Benning

FORT BENNING — More than 200 soldiers from throughout the Army are coming to Fort Benning for a competition that tests their marksmanship with pistols and rifles.

Registration opens today for the 12-day U.S. Army Small Arms Championships, with rifle matches commencing Thursday and Friday. The competition runs through Feb. 8, when a closing awards ceremony will be held.

The event at the Fort Benning shooting ranges includes days set aside for competitors to train with small arms. The Columbus Army post's U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit is hosting the competition.

Competitors are drawn from active-duty soldiers, Army Reservists, National Guard troops and cadets.